Just Whitney

UK reissue of the R&B/Soul/Pop diva's fifth album, originally released in 2002. Includes one bonus track, Whatchulookinat? (P. Diddy Remix). Just Whitney was yet another hit album for Houston, entering the Billboard Top 10 and going platinum in no time at all. It was also her last non-Holiday studio album for seven years. Sony/BMG.

Whitney Houston recaptures some former glory on her first studio album, thanks to her undiminished vocal prowess and a cadre of impressive producers that includes Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Babyface, Teddy Bishop, and Troy Taylor. Houston's pipes shine in the big break-up ballad "On My Own," which is cut from the same mold as 1993's massive "I Will Always Love You." But while her vocal chords are intact, some of the material here leaves much to be desired, including a flat version of Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Light" and the Missy Elliot-penned and -produced "Things You Say." On the plus side, the feisty "Tell Her No" finds Houston on defense, but she's much more interesting with her back against the wall as she huffs: "I can't wait for the day I can rub things in your face." The embattled diva doesn't attempt to gloss over her foibles, as evidenced by "Unashamed" ("Listen here and listen good/ I'm unashamed of the life that I lead, unashamed of the strength of my need"), "Love That Man," and "Whatchulookinat," a body slam at the tabloids that have documented Houston and hubby Bobby Brown's very public falls from grace. Houston may not have recovered her hegemony of the charts, but this album proves she's once again pointed in the right direction. This deluxe package includes a DVD featuring the "Whatchulookinat" and "Mega Mix" videos along with behind-the-scenes footage. --Jaan Uhelszki